Published on Apr 9, 2002
Huey Lewis & The News has always been one of my favorite
bands. Incorporating some of their well-known hits in the band I
was in 1985, they can best be described musically as “having a good
time.” The band released seven albums from 1980 to 1994; their
lineup of musicians has always remained intact throughout this
period.
When VH-1’s “Behind The Music” featured them in 2001, it was
announced that they would be releasing an album of new material
later in the year. When
Plan B was released, there were two differences for the
band: First, they were on a new record label, Silvertone.
(Chrysalis had always been their main label). Second, The News’
musicians had a few changes. Original members Johnny Colla
(sax/guitar/piano), Bill Gibson (drums), Chris Hayes (guitar), Sean
Hopper (keyboards) remained with the group. Original bassist Mario
Cipollina was replaced by John Pierce. Additional members included
more horn-oriented musicians: Marvin McFadden (trumpet), Ron
Stallings (tenor sax), and Rob Sudduth (tenor/baritone sax).
The News have arrived:
Plan B is a great album, and should not be overlooked.
Leading off the album is a great “have a good time” party tune,
“We’re Not Here For A Long Time (We’re Here For A Good Time)”. Its
groove has soul, one of the News’ popular sources of music from
past albums. (1994’s
Four Chords And Several Years Ago featured remakes of
well-known hits, many soul-influenced tunes.) Another great
pop/soulful number is “My Other Woman”; it gets your head grooving
to the beat.
Lewis sings “I Ain’t Perfect,” yet it is perfectly soulful with
a much rougher edge. “When I Write The Book” returns the soulful
grooving rhythms as the first two songs on this album. A duet with
Country artist Wynonna Judd, “I’m Not In Love Yet” is a great
Pop/Country crossover hit, and why it doesn’t or didn’t get enough
radio airplay is beyond me. It’s a great song, not to be
overlooked.
“Pop Rock” best describes “Thank You #19,” having a more Rock
feel, like in songs heard from their 1991 release
Hard At Play. If you watch David Letterman’s show, the title
track’s introduction resembles the theme song played by Paul
Shaffer and his band. In any sense, “Plan B” is another great
soulful Rock album track. “Rhythm Ranch” has a more Rock feel, and
could be compared to the off-Country band, Little Feat (“Dixie
Chicken”).
“Let Her Go And Start Over” is a nice track that could easily be
a popular hit on any Pop/Adult Contemporary radio station. “I Never
Think About You” and “So Little Kindness” have the blues style of
Robert Cray — great Blues/Soul styled tunes.
Plan B is a GREAT album. It’s great to have Huey Lewis &
The News back, with new material and in full stride. Featuring
Memphis-Stax Soul, Pop Rock, Blues, and even a little Country —
This album features all various styles, and this album is not one
to pass up. Overlooking this one would be selfish. Huey Lewis &
The News’ albums may not have received ranting reviews with most
critics (
Sports not included); ALL of Huey Lewis & The News
albums receive rant-and-rave reviews from their fans, and that is
more important than anything else. The fans’ opinions are what
counts, and if anyone who has listened to the music of Huey Lewis
& The News, can agree on one thing: It’s Good-Time Music.